Review the new Mercedes GLC 300 e 2022

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With this 300 e model, Mercedes has shown that it is capable of developing leading technology in the field of plug-in hybrids, while maintaining an important focus on innovation. However, there are plenty of competitors that are more fun to drive, and with the company pushing harder into the premium segment of the market, the GLC’s price can be a tough pill to swallow.

Plug-in hybrid may lose sales for pure electric car (PHEV sales are down 15.7% compared to BEVs up 48.8% this year), but Mercedes is clearly confident that there is a large market for plug-in hybrid cars with GLC 300 dong.

In theory, the new GLC looks like a significant improvement over the old model in all key areas to family SUV. There’s more boot space, additional standard equipment and, perhaps most significantly, a longer all-electric range.

While other markets will receive a more powerful 400 e variant from launch, in the UK, Mercedes GLC The 300 e will be the top petrol model until the AMG-developed 63 arrives next year.

The powertrain of the GLC 300 e is made up of a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 201 hp and 320 Nm of torque. There’s also a 100kW electric motor with 134hp and 440Nm of torque – combined for a total output of 308hp and 550hp.

This is a slight drop from the GLC 300 e’s predecessor, which has 316hp and 700Nm of torque, and the 0-62mph time has increased by one second at 6.7 seconds. When it comes to moving, however, the new car never feels sluggish.

The petrol engine delivers peak power between 2000rpm and 4000rpm, and the electric motor does a great job at delivering enough torque in the lower rpm range to compensate. . The entire system offers a pretty seamless transition between hybrid power, pure electric or petrol at whatever speed you’re going. Meanwhile, the smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission of the GLC 300 e makes switching between gears a breeze.

There are several driving modes to choose from in the GLC. Select Eco mode and you’ll see the GLC optimizes the electric motor for lower-emissions driving. Sport mode makes the transmission shift faster (you may want to use the paddles behind the wheel because the manual mode is surprisingly responsive), using all the power from the petrol and diesel engines. electromechanical and adds some weight to the steering wheel. The model we drove had an optional 15-speaker Burmester sound system that transmits fake engine noise to the cabin – it can be muted but it’s one of the more convincing systems we’ve come across.

The GLC 300 e also has an Electric mode that keeps the car running on pure electric power at speeds of up to 87mph. However, if you accelerate sharply, the gasoline engine will work. Mercedes claims the 31.2kWh battery allows for at least 62 miles on all-electricity, with the ability to go up to 81 miles. Can be fully recharged from a 60kW DC charger in about 30 minutes.

Whichever mode you choose, it’s clear that the GLC was developed for improvement and comfort rather than sportiness. Mercedes says it has used techniques to reduce the sound from S-Class to make the GLC quieter than ever. While we wouldn’t say it’s as quiet as its limousine cousin, the GLC is one of the most refined cars in the class. Mid-size SUV part.

With the AIRMATIC air suspension, the GLC glides through the bumps and jolts of the road. Sadly we’ll only get the standard passive multi-link suspension in the UK, but it’s a good one on the shared platform. C-Class So we are still optimistic.

With a weight of 2,355kg, the GLC 300 e weighs several hundred kilograms more than BMW X3 PHEV and Audi Q5 TFSI e competitor. If you’re gentle with your inputs, though, the GLC responds well to corners with 4MATIC all-wheel drive providing a safe, neutral balance. There’s not much feedback through the wheel, but it loads up with peace of mind through corners.

If you’re familiar with the latest C-Class, the new GLC won’t offer too many surprises inside. Several larger screens dominate the cabin, partly due to the excellent resolution offered by both. A vertically oriented 11.9-inch touchscreen sits in the center of the dashboard with some of the key physical climate controls below and a 12.3-inch digital display in front of the driver.

Both screens are sharp and clear, with the MBUX infotainment being among the easiest and most intuitive. The position of the gear selector on the steering column frees up some space for a large storage compartment in the center of the dashboard. However, it is covered with a piano black finish, which can be prone to scratches a few times.

The quality of the fit and finish in the materials is the best in this segment and it continues in the rear, where there’s also plenty of leg room and headroom for adults. In keeping with the dynamism of the GLC, the faux-leather ‘Artico’ seats feature softer support for comfort rather than sportiness, which was the correct decision.

Mercedes claims the non-PHEV GLC models add 70 liters of boot space compared to the previous model. Figures have yet to be released for PHEVs, but we expect a smaller increase due to the additional size of the plug-in hybrid system.

The range will include an entry-level Avantgarde model and a top-of-the-line AMG Line version. The AMG Line trim level we drove has some impressive optional extras, including a built-in fingerprint sensor for MBUX login, a 360-degree camera, a ‘transparent bonnet’ to give allows easier off-road and high-resolution car front-end display.

Mercedes is yet to reveal pricing for the 300 e, but with a starting price of around £50,000 rumored for the standard 200 model, we could see the 300 e’s entry-level price tag increase by almost £60,000.

Now read ours list of the best mid-size SUVs…